Volta Regional Minister calls for stronger Ghana-Namibia economic ties

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has urged for enhanced economic, educational, cultural, and interpersonal connections between Ghana and Namibia. He emphasized that the historical alliance between the two nations, born out of the fight for African liberation, must now be converted into practical opportunities for their citizens.

High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Mrs. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, visited the Volta Region for a three-day orientation and visited with local officials. Speaking about Ghana-Namibia relations, the minister described the relationship as one rooted in liberation, Pan-Africanism, solidarity, and a common dedication to Africa's progress.

He recalled Ghana's involvement in Namibia's liberation struggle, including the participation of Namibia's first president, Dr. Sam Nujoma, in the first All-African Peoples' Conference in Accra in December 1958 under Ghana's first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Gunu highlighted how Ghana's support during the liberation struggle included political, diplomatic, moral, and educational backing for Namibian youth.

Following Namibia's independence in 1990, bilateral cooperation between the two countries expanded, evidenced by the signing of a Framework Agreement and subsequent agreements on economic and technical collaboration, culture, science, education, and diplomatic discussions. The minister also described the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation between Ghana and Namibia as a vital platform for deepening bilateral ties and identifying mutual interests.

He urged Ghanaian businesses to explore opportunities in Namibia while encouraging Namibian companies to consider Ghana, including the Volta Region, as a gateway to the broader West African market. The minister encouraged stronger university and technical college collaboration in both countries to equip young people with relevant skills and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

He praised the Namibian High Commission for promoting cultural diplomacy, citing the maiden “Namibia Meets Ghana Cultural Night” in June 2026 as an example of initiatives that can strengthen people-to-people ties. Gunu stressed that the generation that fought for political independence should now focus on achieving economic independence and improving living standards, calling for greater collaboration to create jobs, expand trade, develop human capital, and improve youth opportunities.

He recalled Dr. Sam Nujoma's visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in 2004, where he wrote in the visitors' book, "United We Stand and Divided We Fall, Long Live African Union." The minister expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between Ghana and Namibia would enhance African solidarity and contribute to the continent's economic transformation.

He concluded by calling for increased friendship between the people of the Volta Region and Namibia, emphasizing the need to trade, learn, travel, and work more closely together.